Jefferson Headache Clinic
Has anyone been to the Jefferson Headache Clinic in Philadelphia? My neurologist is sending me there in 2 weeks for an initial consultation and is suggesting that I am hospitalized for at least a week to receive lidocaine infusions. She said that the treatment will likely cause hallucinations, which could be scary or really fun- haha!
Any feedback on the process at the Clinic, what to bring, what to expect, etc would be appreciated!!
Hi,
I haven't been to the Jefferson but have meet a few of the doctors who work there and they are absolutely wonderful. They are kind, caring and compassionate and are world class migraine specialists too boot!
Let us know how your appointment goes, OK? Do you have everything read for it? All your questions and concerns mapped out? Let me share some information that may help you get ready for your appointment; https://migraine.com/getting-help/prepare-docto-visit.
Good luck!
Nancy
Well , I have been . Indivudially, doctors especially Dr. Nehas and Dr. Kaiser were good, but you normally don't deal with them on a daily basis. I was in an old room- horrible.Food horrible on top of me hallucinating. Would like to hear that it has improved!
Oh boy! I'm sorry to hear the food was horrible! That along with hallucinating is a tough combination.
Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com Team
I would like to see a topic that asks if anyone has been inpatient at any clinic & what was their experience. I'm trying to determine if this is the next course of action for me and would love to read about others' who have done inpatient. Thanks
Please see my post from a few days ago by Thiarnain
Once I go through the clinic, I'll definitely post my experience here.
I went there and they had my doc put me in the hospital and come off all meds and start all over again with a clean system. However, that was 13 years ago, I am now getting Botox injections. Botox helps but it isn't a cure. I did like Jefferson though. I guess they would have done more if my insurance covered it but my parents were paying out of their pockets.
That is the normal procedure in every clinic to wean you off your meds. Clearly necessary but then what? In my experience, one week is not enough! 
My husband has gone through the process of coming off all medications several times. It was a horrible process, but luckily he was hospitalized during those periods. I agree that a week is not enough time to fully stabilize and move on. In addition to the possible withdrawl symptoms the resulting migraine cycles following this can be terrible and often required him to be hospitalized again to receive medications to break that cycle. Most of us don't have the financial power to pay for these treatments ourselves, and those of us who have insurance are at the mercy of a bureaucrat in an office with no medical training making decisions based on the profit margins of the insurance company rather than the well being of the person in need of the treatment. Thanks for sharing your insight. Warmly, Cheryl migraine.com team
